Unidentified Meningitis

[Karenhuihui]

My bf is suspected of having TB meningitis last week, the doctors have done LP tests but are still unable to grow the bacteria or identify the type of infection. It has been a weeks time, he’s half in a coma. Does anyone here have encountered similar situation? The doctors have used different types of antibiotics and waiting to see which type of them he will react to. How long does it normally take to take effect if the antibiotics are working? I’m so depressed and frustrated now.

[StrawberryCream]

So sorry to hear about your boyfriend being in a coma with possible meningitis. A very worrying time for you. Did he start on antibiotics before the lumber puncture was done? If so that is likely to be why they can’t identify the strain of infection. I was virtually in a coma on arrival at hospital and remained in a coma for 3 weeks. Because I had a very high BP a lumber puncture could not be done. I was started on antibiotics and antivirals anyway because all the indicators were that it was meningitis. The antivirals were stopped after a day or so when the blood tests were indicating it was bacterial so I continued to be treated with antibiotics. It was never identified as to what strain so remained diagnosed as Bacterial meningitis & Septicaemia.

Best wishes

[Janakiramang]

Hi Sorry to hear that your dear one is going through suspected TBM. My son went through hell and now he is near normal. So, take courage that it is curable, but be prepared for a long haul and time. I hope they did lumbar puncture and are testing. TB testing takes time - specially latent TB ( Not infecting type). So be patient. In my sons case he was not in coma, after 10 days, they started TB medications which was given with steroids. it took 45 days for TB to be confirmed by culture, but they had a fast test which showed positive and they started the TB medications. Earlier they start is better. Now he is on TB medication 11 months on. He is near to normal. He unfortunately had a stroke and has some of its after effects, but getting through it as he is young. Some anxiety remains. Actually you have to define a new normal after TBM. But be hopeful. WE had friends and relatives and family support and prayer was a constant companion through our tough phase. Best wishes that he recovers soon

[IRHONDA]

geez no not in a coma um but if the pain is untolerable I think a coma could be good as sometimes that pain is so bad you really don't want to be here, so maybe the body goes into coma to protect ive heard that before all I can do is send prayers and hope for your bfriends recovery ... all you can do is pray god love him its harder for you and his family as he is asleep so sorry, let us know what happens xxx

[Karenhuihui]

Thank you all for sharing your experience, kind words and encouragement. My boyfriend is getting better with the use of IVIG. He managed to open his eyes and maintain eye contact with us, tho he’s yet able to move his hands and legs. I hope he will keep improving!